OUR STORY
In 1978, The Clash released the song “Jail Guitar Doors,” inspired by the imprisonment of musician Wayne Kramer, founder of Detroit’s legendary '60s rock band, the MC5.
In 2007, to honor Clash frontman Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg launched a UK initiative named after the song, providing musical instruments to inmates in Her Majesty’s Prisons. Two years later, in 2009, Kramer teamed up with Bragg to bring the mission to the U.S., founding Jail Guitar Doors USA—continuing the work of rehabilitation through music in American prisons. The circle is unbroken.
WAYNE KRAMER
Wayne Kramer transformed his personal experience with incarceration into a lifelong commitment to prison reform, supporting both youth and adults. As a co-founder of Jail Guitar Doors USA, he led music workshops and visited over 100 correctional facilities nationwide.
In 2021, Wayne partnered with Jason Heath (Program Director) and Luke Reynolds (Client Services) to address the urgent need for support among youth released from juvenile halls. Together, they founded The C.A.P.O. Center—a space where young people can access guidance, resources, and creative opportunities. Today, The C.A.P.O. Center is a cornerstone of Jail Guitar Doors’ work, empowering youth with innovative arts education and the tools to move forward with confidence and purpose.
Wayne remained deeply engaged in this mission until his passing in 2023. His legacy lives on through the continued work of JGD-USA and The C.A.P.O. Center.
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The environment of prison is designed to strip self-respect from you. Tells you, you have no value in this world. Being able to create art to make music says, “hey, I do have value here.”
4.30.48 - 2.2.2024